Stuttgart sign 'Kiwi Messi'

VfB Stuttgart have announced the signing of New Zealand starlet Marco Rojas

Stuttgart - VfB Stuttgart have announced the signing of Melbourne Victory attacking midfielder Marco Rojas on a free transfer. The Australian Player of the Year has put pen to paper on a four-year deal with the club and will arrive at the end of the season.

"It's not just the fact that Marco was voted Australia's Player of the Year that attracted us," explained Stuttgart sporting director Fredi Bobic."He's one of those nippy players who can be used on the flanks. It'll be interesting to see how quickly he adapts to the speed of the German game."

'Kiwi Messi'

New Zealander Rojas is just as excited to be moving to the Mercedes-Benz Arena: "My Dad and I spoke to the responsible parties at VfB and they gave us the impression that they really wanted me here. It's great for a player when a club shows just how much they want you. It'll certainly be a big challenge."

21-year-old Rojas moved to A-League side Victory from Wellington Phoenix in 2011, and after a difficult first season, went on to score 15 times for the club, earning the nickname 'Kiwi Messi' on his way to collecting the A-League Player of the Year award ahead of Italian great Alessandro Del Piero.